Chapter 233: Identity Crisis (1/2)

Looking at the kowtowing orc in front of him, was another new experience for Aiden. He couldn't deny it felt good. No, it felt incredible, empowering. To see this proud specimen of his violent species fall on his knees and beg for HIS forgiveness… It was an incredibly intoxicating feeling.

Still, just by listening to his tone and measuring his micromovements, it was clear this orc just chose the easiest way to resolve the current situation, and by no means acknowledges him as his superior.

No, that would be preposterous to this pig-headed race, they will never accept a member of the goblins to be the stronger ones, they would rather die in shame.

”[Goblin] I will learn from this mistake, lord, and do better the next time.” His racing thoughts were interrupted by the continued groveling of the kneeling warrior.

Awakened by his momentary stupor, he looked at the orc beneath him with disdain and contempt. It was clear to him that all of this was just a farce, just some play that the orc thought he was so clever to outplay him.

Keeping a stern gaze for an extended period of time, Aiden eventually let out a long sigh. Reaching for the creases of his temple, he shook his head.

”[Goblin] You know, this was actually not that bad. Really. I would have let you live, honestly. Everything would have been much simpler. You, stupid pig as you are would have learned how to behave wouldn't be needed to be put down, and then we wouldn't have to be wary of the decreased time frame before eventually, everything goes bad.”

Letting out another sigh, he stepped closer to the still kowtowing orc crouching down to his eye level.

With his right hand, he grabbed his much larger chin and lifted it so they would look into each other's eyes.

As their gazes met, the glow immediately returned to Aiden's eyes his golden irises began to shine with their usual, otherworldly luster.

His voice following the change of his eyes, turned much lower-pitched, reminding the orc once again that the being in front of him was an ancient beast rather than a frail goblin.

”[Goblin] Sadly for me, and… for you, I guess as well your primitive, idiotic nature can't comprehend this one, simple fact: You are not the strongest, far from it. There are people that you should not annoy. This mistake, whilst it could have been a simple lesson, will now turn into something that nobody will remember…”

Seeing the frightened look on the orc's face, gave another boost to Aiden's mind. Taking in the sight with great pride, he slowly lifted the orc to a standing position, whilst he himself gradually began transforming. His muscles contorting, giving way to a new build, he grew taller, matching the height of the orc. His skin turned bronze-like with thick scales covering it. The previously gentle feel of his hand suddenly became unpleasant; his hands transformed into large ebony claws.

Albeit he hasn't grown out his wings and tails, the sudden change in his look was still too much for the orc to process, he just looked ahead with a frozen, stunted look.

In his frozen fright, he even forgot that he was talking to a goblin previously, he switched back to his original, orcish dialect.

”[Orc] Thwarg' Raga! Thwarg' Raga!” He cried, almost squealed in fright, reawakening from his stunned state, trying his best to free himself from the vice-like grip of this unknown enemy.

[Analyzing Language: Orc. Progress: 7%]

Aiden glanced at the notification only for a second, a smirk appeared on his face.

Looking at the Orc flailing madly, but futilely, for some inexplicable reason, he felt great satisfaction in his torment. Something felt strangely fulfilling, intoxicating about it.

Slowly increasing his grip around his neck, the orc's previously helpless failing began to die down, as the air started to become troublesome.